Return of the Lemon Curd: Our favorite recipe and a solved mystery!

A "new" lemon curd recipe is hands (or face) down, a BTS favorite.

Although we've never left lemon curd, our favorite scone accompaniment, we are back in the BTS test kitchen after a two-year lapse to once again prepare our own. And, this, my BTS tea friends, is the best lemon curd I've ever had. 

Back in the BTS test kitchen, whipping up lemon curd after a two-year pause

This recipe came from Judy M., my son-in-law's grandmother. Judy sent this to me July of 2022, when I made my first batch of lemon curd from a recipe I found on-line (see "Lemond Curd from BTS test kitchen").

My lemon curd obsession was rekindled (granted, it doesn't take much) by a number of recent afternoon tea outings as well as reading Laura Childs' tea mystery, "Lemon Curd Killer".  The latter warrants a hearty "thumb's up's" for tea time recipes furnished at the end of the novel, a mention of one of our favorite Charleston restaurants "Poogan's Porch" and another opportunity to reunite with Theodosia Browning and the rest of the gang at the Indigo Tea Shop. 

The connection of lemon curd and its role in the murder mystery, however, is, reassuringly, not nefarious. The victim was found face down in a bowl of lemon curd (that's just where the tie-in begins and ends).

Curd at Lady Mendl's served in salt cellars

    

Curd presentation not quite the same in plastic

          

And, we'll never disagree with any inclusion of lemon curd, be it book, tea table or, ultimately, a scone.  So, with that, I was motivated to whip up my own batch of citrusy goodness. (See recipe below).

Lemon curd ingredients, we used 4 eggs

"Whisk-reward" pays off!

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 Lemon Curd  

Home-made lemon curd has an excellent flavor, but a limited keeping time.  It is best to make small quantities at a time.

4 oz butter Place butter, sugar, grated lemon rind and strained 

12 oz granulated sugar juice in bowl over saucepan half filled with simmering 

3 lemons, rind and juice water.  Stir occasionally until butter is melted and sugar 

4 eggs (or 8 egg yolks) dissolved.  Stir in lightly mixed eggs (or yolks).  Continue

to stir over simmering water until curd thickens slightly. 

Makes 1½ - 2 lbs Remove from heat (curd will continue to thicken as it 

cools).  Pour into clean wam jars.  Cover and seal while

Time taken - 30 minutes hot.

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BTS' test kitchen notes: I utilized the four eggs option. Also, as I noted in my lemon curd blog from 2022, be prepared to whisk a bit. I will once again state, the time spent is the "whisk-reward" for a scrumptious lemon curd. 

We enjoyed this batch of lemon curd with our Bridgerton Scone mix (also prepared in the BTS test kitchen).  For serving curd, we prefer using crystal or glass bowls. (For those who serve in plastic - while it may still taste delicious, the glass/crystal presentation adds so much to any afternoon tea table).

A great big thank you to Judy M. for this wonderful lemon curd recipe. Hands - or face - down, we've cracked this case. This is the best lemon curd I've tasted. It, along with teapot, tea cups, scones and crystal accoutrements, will be a staple on our BTS afternoon tea table. 

Trenary Toast: A Finnish tasty treat from the U.P. that's great for morning coffee, afternoon tea or late night cocoa!

 

Trenary Toast, great for coffee, tea or cocoa.

Whether you're a dunker or a cruncher, Trenary Toast, is a delicious snack.

Trenary Toast is made at the Trenary Home Bakery in Trenary, a small town in Michigan's Upper Peninsula.  The baked bread with Finnish roots, has been an area staple for over 90 years. 

Like Trenary Toast, I too, have roots in Finland as well as the U.P. (my paternal grandparents were from Vaasa, part of a Swedish settlement in Finland, and my Dad was born in Baraga, a friendly one traffic light town on the scenic Keweenaw Bay) , and while most of my relatives would have enjoyed the crispy nosh with a cup of black coffee, it isn't limited to an early morning repast. In fact, I was delighted to see the Trenary Toast package declare that it is also "perfect for . . . afternoon tea or late night cocoa".  

BTS was delighted to see "afternoon tea" cited on the Trenary Toast package.

Per the Trenary Home Bakery website, the company was started by Jorma and Elise Syrannen in 1928. Their featured product, the Trenary Toast, is a twice baked Finnish coffee bread. It had great appeal for the tiny logging town, but quickly spread beyond Trenary, a town thirty-plus miles southeast of Marquette, to become a "Yooper" favorite.

As noted in the "Visit Escanaba" blog (Bring home a bag of the U.P.'s iconic treat, Trenary Toast), the Syrannens sold their bakery to the Halliens in 1950 where it continued through a few generations before its current owners, Brianna Wynsma and Marco Dossena, purchased it in 2019.

Brianna and Marco, both graduates of Northern Michigan University, hold to the Trenary Toast tradition while adding a few variations in the mix. In addition to the cinnamon-sugar original, their other selections include tart cherry, vanilla, cardamon, and chocolate dipped (both milk and dark). 

Dunker, a bit of Trenary Toast in Earl Grey

The  new owners also set up shop in Marquette, with the Trenary Toast Cafe. Its menu features Scandinavian-style open faced sandwiches along with cinnamon rolls and a "squeaky cheese" plate. 

As far as flavor, we really enjoyed our Trenary Toast. It's like a biscotti, an Italian cookie that is also twice-baked. And, that extra bake takes out all the moisture to give Trenary Toast its impressive shelf life of up to a year. Once you open the bag, however, and take in the sweet cinnamon sugar aroma, we doubt your Trenary Toast package will still have anything remaining after twelve months. 

The extra baking time also give Trenary Toast its extra crispy texture. If you prefer not to bite into a pretty solid piece toast, you can dunk it in your tea or coffee to soften. Either way, it's very tasty.

We ordered our Trenary Toast on-line through the Trenary Home Bakery website. Their website also includes a list of retail outlets that sell their products, including many in the Lower Peninsula.

We're inspired now to add Trenary Toast to a Scandinavian-themed afternoon tea! (More details to come). My Grandmother's invitation to "coffee" always meant a table full of cakes and rolls - a meal more than a cup of java - and it always shocked, pleasantly, those new to the "coffee" custom. I think the tradition of "coffee", and some scrumptious Trenary Toast, will work well for an afternoon tea from the "Land of the Midnight Sun".  Working title:  A Sweet and Savory Smorgasbord Afternoon Tea, dunking acceptable,  Yooper hat optional. 

For more on Trenary Toast visit the Trenary Home bakery's website, trenaryhomebakery.com.

Also, see Barb's Tea Service's latest podcast, where we discuss Bridgerton, Sally Lunn and Trenary Toast. It's Podcast Number 7, starting at the 17 minute mark, on our YouTube channel, Barb's Tea Service.

Countdown to Bridgerton, Part 3: How to prepare afternoon tea and home decor for "Polin Season"

Assortment of Bridgerton merch to prepare for "Polin Season".

A week from today, an all new Bridgerton story will air on Netflix, featuring the budding romance of Colin Bridgerton and Penelope Featherington, otherwise known as "Polin".  Barb's Tea Service is here to assist you in best preparing for "Polin Season" and that means themed teas and home decor. Grab your feather pen and take notes, dear readers.

Republic of Tea has a variety of Bridgerton tea, including one for Queen Charlotte

In previous blogs, we've written on many Bridgerton topics: resurgence of fancy teas, book and tea reviews , a line of  Bridgerton food and entertaining items  Queen Charlotte, prequel to Bridgerton , our trip to Bath and the Bridgerton Tour, and even our own BTS Bridgerton tea talk.  But there's more, much more!

First, let's set and fill the Bridgerton afternoon tea table. Republic of Tea offers an extensive line of Bridgerton teas, including the latest: Triple Earl Grey. For those of us who ardently admire that blend of black tea (and coincidentally, like Daphne, have three older brothers), it's a home run (or a well-played mallet whack in Pall Mall).

Republic of Tea's "Bridgerton Muse Gift Set, photo courtesy Barb Tabb

In addition to the variety of Bridgerton teas, including herbals, such as Newton's Ginger Biscuit, Republic of Tea also sells Bridgerton honey, jam, and teapots, perfect for the Polin tea party. My great tea friend, Barb T., purchased the teapot/teacup/tea ensemble, together titled the "Bridgerton Muse Gift Set". Per the Republic of Tea's website, visual artist Sue Tsai, collaborated with Shondaland [Shonda Rhimes production company and the force behind the Bridgerton television drama] and Netflix to reimagine a limited edition Bridgerton-inspired collection. 

Bridgerton tour in Bath, U.K.

Setting up for our February Bridgerton tea talk

Many of the same tea time items, but also a number of Bridgerton exclusives, can be found at Williams Sonoma. They have their own Bridgerton teapot, teacups  napkins and linens (which, BTS, btw, is very fond of should anyone need to know this) and most suitable for even Lady Danbury. Williams Sonoma offers a number of suitable comestibles for the occasion as well, including scone mixes and my new favorite, but as of yet, unpurchased, chocolate breakable teapots with candy jewels. Surely, the sweet tea treat will be the diamond of your tea table.

Chocolate teapots, the diamond of the tea table.

But, there's no need to stop at the dining room. Deck out your powder room for guests with Bridgerton accents from Bath and Body Works. BTS chose the teacup wallflowers fragrance plug with the Bridgeton Bee on the tea bag tag and Diamond of the Season hand lotion. Bath and Body Works also offers candles that can be supported on crown candle holders. (We are of the opinion, that crowns need not be limited to only Queen Charlotte). 

Bath and Body Works' Bridgerton collection!

Teacup scent holder & Diamond of the Season lotion

And, should you need further guidance in celebrating Regency-style, there's "The Official Bridgerton Guide to Entertaining" (available on-line, mine came from Amazon). This tiny tome offers food and drink recipes as well as some handy etiquette tips such as the art of the calling card and how to properly address royals and nobility (You wouldn't want to make the mistake of adding "of" after the "viscount" title.  We know it must be Right Honorable the Viscount Bridgerton, not the Right Honorable Viscount of Bridgerton, as the higher titles allow. IYKYK)

Eight-day Bridgerton countdown calendar, perfect for marking the days until Season 3!

Of all the Bridgeton-themed merchandise, perhaps the one most appropriate to secure now, is the Bridgerton Tea Time Tales 8-day Countdown Calendar, another exclusive from WIlliams-Sonoma.  Fashioned after Christmas calendars that host hidden surprises to be revealed each day before the celebrated event, the Bridgerton calendar has tiny tea treats behind eight covered cubby. We ordered ours in November (see our YouTube demonstration of the Bridgerton Calendar:  Bridgerton treats from Williams Sonoma and BTS' Bridgerton-inspired tea talk (New for 2024!) (youtube.com).  Needless to say, we've worked our way through the eight doors already, but it would be just the thing to kick off the next Bridgerton adventure and unveil secrets as captivating as the true identity of Lady Whistledown. 

However you chose to bring in Bridgeton, Part 3, you know we'll be watching right along with you, complete with tiara, white gloves and an extra serving of Triple Earl Grey. We're seizing - and not sneezing - this "Polin Season". 

Sally Lunn's, the oldest house in Bath: Home to centuries of history, delicious buns, trenchers and maybe even Jane Austen. But was there really a Sally Lunn?

Sally Lunn's, The Oldest House in Bath. Was there really a Sally Lunn?

For many of us, Bath, England, brings to mind the Romans, Jane Austen, and, most recently, Bridgerton - but what of Sally Lunn's?  It's not only the oldest house in Bath, but home to delicious buns and trenchers.  Although we had many places on our checklist of must-see places to visit during our stay last October in this city of epic Georgian architecture, Sally Lunn's had been lost in the shuffle of Austen landmarks and Bridgerton filming sites.  But, fortunately, we "found" Sally Lunn's during one of our walks around town and stopped in for dinner. Its story is as incredible as a rakish Duke marrying a naive Daphne Bridgerton or Mr. Darcy confessing his love and admiration to a disenchanted Elizabeth Bennet.

Sally Lunn's is housed in a building from 1482

The current Sally Lunn building dates back to 1482, but from what has been recently discovered in the 20th century, there are ties to Roman times. The old home's proximity to the Roman Baths and the artifacts unearthed below it, point to it being a place where Roman travelers ate and rested - which means that Sally Lunn's locale has impressive roots in the hospitality business, dating back 1,800 years. 

In all those years, the Sally Lunn site went through several incarnations until the 15th century, when it was rebuilt to its current state in the then popular Tudor style. Today, it is one of the few remaining Tudor buildings in a town dominated by Georgian design. 

All this history and Sally Lunn hasn't even arrived. . . yet!

A few centuries after the Tudor home was constructed, Sally Lunn came to Bath - although perhaps more in fiction than in fact. Per the Sally Lunn restaurant's website (and the main source for most references to her), Solange  Luyon, a Huguenot seeking refuge, journeyed to England from France in the latter part of the 17th century.  Legend has it that she came to Bath and started working in a bakery selling their products from a basket she carried around town. But, soon, changes were in store for Solange, starting with her name. Not terribly familiar with French-pronunciation, her English colleagues referred to her as "Sally Lunn" and it stuck. But the anglicized moniker wasn't the only adjustment for the newly minted Miss Lunn.

Inside Sally Lunn's dining room which offers history, charm and comfort food.

It turns out, Sally Lunn, had some mad baking skills of her own and began preparing "buns" using a recipe she learned in her home country.  The bun was a light brioche-type roll which caught on quickly in Bath. To this day, it is still served in the Sally Lunn restaurant, although, the recipe, like the Colonel's eleven herbs and spices, is a treasured secret and not shared with the public. 

But, according to many sources, beyond the Sally Lunn's website, the tale of Solange Luyon is pure fiction. British food historian, Laura Mason (Smithsonian Magazine, February, 2012) believes the Bath bun baker from France narrative to be a complete fabrication. Per Mason, there is no record of Sally Lunn before the 20th century. Another source cited in the article believes the story began in 1937 by a recent purchaser of the at-the-time rundown property to drum up business. 

Whether or not there really was a Sally Lunn, her eponymous dining establishment is real and so is its delicious fare. Sadly during our visit, we did not sample the renowned Sally Lunn buns, but, we are fans of an English novelist who allegedly had a fondness for them. Again referring to Sally Lunn's website, those scrumptious doughy delights may have been a favored treat for Jane Austen. A grand claim? Perhaps. But what is undeniable is that Sally Lunn's offers afternoon tea in their Jane Austen tearoom, a nod to, if not to her substantiated patronage of the signature buns, at least to the fact the author of "Pride and Prejudice" called Bath her home for a portion of her adult life.

A unexpected turn lead us to Sally Lunn's.

Trenchers on the menu - a first for us!

Adding to the list of factual data, what my husband, Chris, and I did partake in was something we had never had, or even heard of,  before:  a "trencher". This very British savory predates even the oldest home in Bath in which it continues to be served. 

Trenchers originally were meal and plate all in one.

Trencher, we learned, is a type of bread that was used before the in invention of plates (that came about around 1500). The bread is topped with meat, vegetables and gravy and eaten with its contents. Efficient and delicious. 

Hallway leading to Austen tearoom

Tea and teaware at Sally Lunn's

Trenchers remained popular during Georgian England, so, I guess, one could also speculate that the Austens may have enjoyed a Trencher or two in their time in Bath (although that is merely my inference and not from the Sally Lunn's website). 

I had the mushroom toast trencher and it was excellent. The ultimate comfort food and, adapted to modern times, even if redundant, it was served on a plate.

Sally Lunn's, scrumptious fare and a bit of spin.

Was there really a Sally Lunn? Did Jane Austen actually crave their specialty buns? Did Mrs. Austen ask Mr. Austen to pick up a few trenchers on his way home from town? With so much history, charm and scrumptious fare, a little bit of spin and an extra heaping of lore only adds to the experience. 

Tuesday Tea and Tomes: The Personal Librarian, the incredible story of Belle da Costa Greene who curated J.P. Morgan's private library (and a connection to Lady Mendl's too!)

The Personal Librarian based on the true story of Belle da Costa Greene, J.P. Morgan's Librarian

Belle da Costa Greene's story is incredible and it's not only because, at the young age of 26, she left her job at Princeton's library to become J.P. Morgan's personal librarian, securing some of the greatest treasures for the Gilded Age financier's private collection, but she achieved all this while keeping secret her true identity:  she is black, but passing as white.

The Morgan Library houses incunabula and other treasures

The Personal Librarian is historical fiction based on Belle Marion Greener, who, with a slight adjustment  of her name and a fabricated Portugues heritage, masks her identity in plain sight. Authors, Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray, do an excellent job of narrating Belle's rise in the realm of learned curators and ambitious collectors while navigating the incongruous worlds she straddled -   Gilded Age excess and the almost insurmountable limitations imposed by segregation. 

J.P. Morgan's study includes an imposing portrait of the Gilded Age banker

I first heard of this book two years ago, just shortly after it had been published. My neighbor, Therese, knew I was a fan of the Gilded Age and highly recommended it. I added it to my list, but received a huge reminder in March of this year, when, along with family, I visited the Morgan Library (in search of Jane Austen letters) and, in the gift shop, The Personal Librarian, was featured prominently. I snatched up a copy along with a tea tin filled with "Mr. Morgan's Tea" - another connection to Belle da Costa Greene. It's a Harney blend of Assam and Keemun, which, per the tin's label,  Mr. Morgan and his librarian drank together.

The desk in the study of J.P. Morgan

Belle da Costa Greene acquired a love for Renaissance art and, a new word for me, incunabula (books printed before the 16th century) from her father, the first black graduate of Harvard. Her intelligence and negotiating skills were so admired by J.P. Morgan, he treated her as family and friend.  He introduced her to high society and her quick wit and charm found her a favorite at parties hosted by the Vanderbilts and other wealthy New York families. And, while Belle enjoyed the socializing and trips to Europe her job and employer supported, she could never escape the fear of being "uncovered" or the nagging self doubts of betraying her true race.

Tea at Lady Mendl. It's namesake was friend to Anne Morgan

But, not everyone was in Belle's corner. There was one Morgan who was not fond of Belle and that was Anne, the youngest daughter of J.P. Morgan and the only sibling not married. She kept company with ladies who were referred to as having a "Boston Marriage", a Gilded Age euphemism for a gay relationship. One of Anne's friends in this society was Elsie De Wolfe, also known "Lady Mendl". And, yes, the Lady Mendle tearoom we visited in March, just a short walk from the Morgan Library, was once the home of Elsie De Wolf, actress, interior designer and comrade of Anne Morgan.

The dome of the rotunda that connects the Library to the study

Belle's biggest fan and admirer was surely her employer. J.P. Morgan thought so highly of Belle that in his will he left her $50,000 (approximately 1.5 million in today's dollars) along with a stipulation that she remain as the Morgan Library librarian for at least one year. She lasted more than another twelve months. Morgan died in 1913 and Belle retired from the Library in1948, after 43 years in the job she was passionate about.

One of three Gutenberg bibles in the Morgan Library

In 1924, J.P. Morgan, Jr,, also known as Jack, opened the Morgan Library to the public and Belle oversaw the expansion of the original footprint to include an Annex for exhibits (when we were at the Library in March, the Annex hosted a Beatrix Potter collection). The brownstone that Jack lived in with his family, a present from his father in 1904, is now home to the Morgan Library dining room (which does offer afternoon tea!) the gift shop, and a conservation center. 

The Dining Room at the Library

100th anniversary of the Annex

The original structure included J.P. Morgan's study, an enormous room filled with rare manuscripts and a large imposing portrait of the investment banker in a Cambridge red robe. The study borders a rotunda which connects to the library, home to many incunabula, including three Guttenberg bibles, and the office of the Librarian. The latter was once the domain of Belle da Costa Greene, an impressive work space worthy of her meticulous work and priceless contributions.

Outside the Morgan Library

The Morgan brownstone

The Morgan Library is a treasure (more to come on that) and, after visiting the New York museum, we have an even greater appreciation for all it holds and the woman, who had the daunting task of building an impressive collection while sacrificing her own identity. A story that inspires as well as saddens, we benefit from a legacy that came with a price, one that even the Morgan's millions couldn't buy.

Morgan Library gift shop, a reminder of recommended reading.

More on to come on the Morgan Library and we're going back next year (an upcoming scoop!). 

Barb's Tea Service presents an Austentacious Tea at Commerce Township Public Library: Jane Austen, scones and many "best companions"

BTS' Twinings tea, but not Wedgwood cups

Barb G. and Barb T. at Library tea

Last week, Barb's Tea Service presented an Austentacious Tea at the Commerce Township Library. Along with a Jane Austen tea talk, BTS served up Twinings tea, accompanied by a table of delicious sweets provided by many of the Library's guests. And, unlike Fanny Price, who in a crowded carriage, finds her own thoughts to be her best companions, BTS was delighted to be acquainted with a room full of fast friends. 

Adult Services Librarian, Alexis S. & BTS' Pam B.

Queuing up the teapots 

A shout out to dear tea friend, Barb T. who connected us with Adult Services Librarian, Alexis S., earlier this year, and made this event happen. BTS team member and tea selection consultant, Pam B., and I met Alexis back in February at the Commerce Library and we were impressed with both its parklike setting and interior spaces. 

Scones and cookies from Library guests

BTS team ready for JA tea!

Last Thursday, the Library's meeting room was filled to almost capacity with many attendees bringing in a favorite tea time treat. There were scones (and lemon curd!) and a variety of cookies. (A special thank you to Diane S. for the "ridiculously easy lemon raspberry scone recipe").

Barb T. with friends

A room filled with "best companions"

Aside from Barb T., there were a few other familiar faces, including Jerry and Linda P. who we met two months ago at our Bridgerton Tea at the Bloomfield Township Library. Jerry was also the winner of one of BTS' "Twelve Etiquette Essentials:  Formal Dining and Afternoon Tea" books. (He employed the "Price is Right" strategy, by "not going over" 😃).  

Jerry (one of the BTS book winners) and Linda P. 

Pat (right) with friend daughter

Among the other great guests that we met were Pat, who was joined by her well-accessorized daughter and friend. In addition, we were delighted to learn that another guest had been in Bath, England the same time my husband, Chris, and I were there last fall.  We realized we may have crossed paths near the Austen home I stayed at in October, No. 4 Sydney Place.

With much commendation and approbation to the Commerce Library event - it was wonderful afternoon filled with best companions, indeed!

The full quote from Mansfield Park is:  "Her own thoughts and reflections were habitually her best companions."  Another thanks to Barb T., who not only connected us to the Commerce Library, but gifted me with a Jane Austen mug with that special JA quote!